Though her mind is still sharp, Elizabeth’s eyes have failed. No longer able to linger over her beloved books or gaze at the paintings that move her spirit, she fills the void with music and memories of her family, especially her beloved twin sister, Emily. When her late father’s journals are discovered after an accident, the past suddenly becomes all too present.

With the help of Morgan, a delinquent teenager performing community service at her senior home, Elizabeth goes through the diaries, a journey through time that brings the two women closer together. Entry by entry, these unlikely friends are drawn deep into a world far removed from their own, to Porphyry Island on Lake Superior, where Elizabeth’s father manned the lighthouse and raised his young family seventy years before.

As the words on these musty pages come alive, Elizabeth and Morgan begin to realize that their fates are connected to the isolated island in ways they never dreamed. While the discovery of Morgan’s connection sheds light onto her own family mysteries, the faded pages of the journals will shake the foundation of everything Elizabeth thinks she knows and bring the secrets of the past into the light.

THE LIGHTKEEPER’S DAUGHTERS by Jean E. Pendziwol and narrated by Dara Rosenberg, Dawn Harvey, and Tom Parks shares the story of events that happened twenty years before on Porphyry Island situated on Lake Superior. Pendziwol skillfully brings past and present together brilliantly.

Five reasons to grab your earbuds and listen to The Lightkeeper’s Daughter.

THE LIGHTKEEPER’S DAUGHTERS is Pendziwol’s debut adult novel, and I found it to be atmospheric, suspenseful and skillfully woven. I loved how she brought a young, troubled teen and elderly woman together. Family, loss, misunderstanding, and art bring closure to a decade old mystery. Her characters are rich, and the tale unfolded in such a way that I quickly became caught in its snare.

We are given multiple points of view, and the story takes place in present day and the past. In the present, we get to know Morgan and Elizabeth, who is sharp but losing her eyesight. Through her father’s journals and Elizabeth’s own recollection, we learn about events that took place on Porphyry Island where she spent her childhood.

The story is touching, heart-wrenching at times and filled with slow-building suspense. The author slowly weaves the tale, hinting at things to come and creates this sense of tension all while weaving the past into the present. Each thread is well developed and equally enjoyable. The twists, vivid imagery, and the build up to the reveal satisfied.

Elizabeth’s story is based in part on actual journals of lightkeepers found on Porphyry Island. I think this lent to a very authentic feel. Combined with the vibrant characters, emotions and exquisite writing style it made for a memorable read.

When there are multiple points of view I enjoy having more than one narrator. Dara Rosenberg, Dawn Harvey, and Tom Parks did a stellar job. The largest narrations belong to Dara Rosenberg and Dawn Harvey playing the roles of Morgan and Elizabeth. I loved closing my eyes and allowing them to bring the story to life.

Atmospheric, engaging and suspenseful THE LIGHTKEEPER’S DAUGHTERS was an addictive listen. Fans of THE ORPHAN TRAIN will enjoy unraveling its secrets.

Listen to Elizabeth

About Jean E. Pendziwol

Jean E. Pendziwol is an award winning Canadian author of books for adults and children. She was shortlisted for the Governor General’s Award and the 2014 TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award for Once Upon a Northern Night (Groundwood Books, 2013). Her children’s books include the critically acclaimed No Dragons for Tea: Fire Safety for Kids (and Dragons) (Kids Can Press), which continues to be used as a valuable resource for teaching fire safety. Her debut adult novel, The Light Keeper’s Daughters will be published by HarperCollins in 2017. Jean’s latest children’s book, Me and You and the Red Canoe, (Groundwood Books) will also be released in 2017. She lives in the shadow of the Nor’Wester Mountains near Lake Superior and draws inspiration for her stories from the rich history, culture and geography of northwestern Ontario, Canada. She has three adult children, a loveable mutt, and a coop of temperamental chickens, all occasionally tormented by visiting deer, foxes, wolves and bears.

About Kimberly

Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. She's a self-professed Whovian, as well as a Supernatural, and Sherlock Holmes junkie, She enjoys sharing books, tips, recipes and hosting the Sunday Post. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat...Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

I can’t imagine knowing you will be blind soon. That part reminds of The Fault in Our Stars. That scene where Isaac knows he’s going in for surgery the next day to have his eye removed, gut wrenching. Both authors really captured that emotion of not only loss, but continued consequence really well. Wonderful review, Kimba.

Yes, the story goes back quite a bit and at the time the lighthouse keeper lived with his family on the island in the keeper’s house. He would also have an assistant. The light had to be kept lit and wasn’t electric like today.